Representatives of the proposed Chestnut Hill subdivision on Rutland Street appeared before the Board of Health (BOH) Tuesday night, February 13, but were unable to move forward without the presence of the board's consulting engineer, Rob Frado, who was unable to attend. The applicant, Richard Howe, and his attorney, Martha Howe, sought to clarify their and the board's position on the suitability of the project's lots to sustain subsurface sewage disposal systems. Engineer Peter Howe of Fay, Spofford & Thorndike said that the engineers on site during the April 2006 deep hole and percolation tests were in agreement with BOH consulting engineer Rob Frado that the testing had been sufficient in providing evidence of soil suitability. Frado, in a letter dated January 15, maintained that additional testing would be needed in order to meet state and local guidelines.

The applicants' representatives had expected to speak with Frado at Tuesday's meeting to determine what they felt was a discrepancy between what Frado said in the field and what he wrote in his letter. After some discussion, board members agreed that they had to consult with Frado before making a decision.

The Planning Board has requested the BOH make recommendations regarding the sufficiency of the soils to support subsurface systems at the proposed 25-acre development.